Switch assemblies for multi-function surgical instruments and surgical instruments incorporating the same

ABSTRACT

A method includes providing a bipolar energy source, a monopolar energy source, a bipolar assembly, and a monopolar assembly. The method further includes moving the monopolar assembly to a retracted position. Moving the monopolar assembly to the retracted position couples the bipolar energy source to the bipolar assembly and decouples the monopolar energy source from the monopolar assembly. The method further includes moving the monopolar assembly to a deployed position. Moving the monopolar assembly to the deployed position decouples the bipolar energy source from the bipolar assembly and couples the monopolar energy source to the monopolar assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/873,219 and 61/873,230, both ofwhich were filed on Sep. 3, 2013. This application is related to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/280,779, filed on May 19, 2014. Theentire contents of each of the above applications are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, moreparticularly, to multi-function surgical instruments including switchassemblies configured to switch between monopolar and bipolar modes ofoperation.

2. Background of Related Art

Bipolar surgical instruments, e.g., bipolar electrosurgical forceps,typically include two generally opposing electrodes charged to differentelectrical potentials for conducting energy therebetween and throughtissue. Bipolar electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clampingaction and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating tissue andblood vessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue. Certain surgicalprocedures require more than simply cauterizing tissue and rely on theunique combination of clamping pressure, precise electrosurgical energycontrol and gap distance (i.e., distance between opposing jaw memberswhen closed about tissue) to “seal” tissue.

Monopolar surgical instruments, on the other hand, include an activeelectrode, and are used in conjunction with a remote return electrode,e.g., a return pad, to apply energy to tissue. Monopolar instrumentshave the ability to rapidly move through tissue and dissect throughnarrow tissue planes.

In some surgical procedures, it may be beneficial to use both bipolarand monopolar instrumentation, e.g., procedures where it is necessary todissect through one or more layers of tissue in order to reachunderlying tissue(s) to be sealed. Further, it may be beneficial,particularly with respect to endoscopic surgical procedures, to providea singe instrument incorporating both bipolar and monopolar features,thereby obviating the need to alternatingly remove and insert thebipolar and monopolar instruments in favor of one another.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is beingdescribed which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refersto the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described hereinmay be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspectsdescribed herein.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a method includesproviding a bipolar energy source, a monopolar energy source, a bipolarassembly, and a monopolar assembly. The method further includes movingthe monopolar assembly to a retracted position, and moving the monopolarassembly to a deployed position. Moving the monopolar assembly to theretracted position couples the bipolar energy source to the bipolarassembly and decouples the monopolar energy source from the monopolarassembly. Moving the monopolar assembly to the deployed position, on theother hand, decouples the bipolar energy source from the bipolarassembly and couples the monopolar energy source to the monopolarassembly.

In aspects, with the monopolar assembly disposed in the retractedposition, the method further includes supplying bipolar energy from thebipolar energy source to the bipolar assembly for conducting bipolarenergy through tissue to treat tissue.

In aspects, conducting bipolar energy through tissue to treat tissueincludes conducting energy between first and secondelectrically-conductive plates of the bipolar assembly to seal tissuedisposed therebetween.

In aspects, with the monopolar assembly disposed in the deployedposition, the method further includes supplying monopolar energy fromthe monopolar energy source to the monopolar assembly for applyingmonopolar energy to tissue to treat tissue.

In aspects, applying monopolar energy to tissue to treat tissue includesapplying energy from an energizable rod member of the monopolar assemblyto tissue to dissect tissue adjacent the energizable rod member.

In aspects, the method further includes moving the monopolar assembly toan intermediate position, wherein moving the monopolar assembly to theintermediate position decouples the bipolar energy source from thebipolar assembly and decouples the monopolar energy source from themonopolar assembly.

In aspects, the intermediate position of the monopolar assembly isdisposed between the retracted position and the deployed position suchthat the monopolar assembly is moved through the intermediate positionupon movement of the monopolar assembly between the retracted positionand the deployed position.

In aspects, the monopolar assembly includes a energizable portion and aninsulative portion, and moving the monopolar assembly to the deployedposition includes at least partially covering the bipolar assembly withthe insulative portion and extending the energizable portion from theinsulative portion.

Another method provided in accordance with the present disclosureincludes providing first and second bipolar inputs coupled to a bipolarsource of energy, first and second bipolar outputs coupled to first andsecond energizable members, a monopolar input coupled to a monopolarsource of energy, and a monopolar output coupled to a third energizablemember. The method further includes moving the third energizable memberto a retracted position, and moving the third energizable member to adeployed position. Moving the third energizable member to the retractedposition couples the first and second bipolar inputs to the first andsecond bipolar outputs, respectively, and decouples the monopolar inputfrom the monopolar output. Moving the third energizable member to adeployed position, on the other hand, decouples the first and secondbipolar inputs from the first and second bipolar outputs, respectively,and couples the monopolar input to the monopolar output.

In aspects, with the third energizable member disposed in the retractedposition, the method further includes supplying bipolar energy from thebipolar energy source to the first and second energizable members forconducting bipolar energy through tissue to treat tissue.

In aspects, conducting bipolar energy through tissue to treat tissueincludes conducting energy between the first and second energizablemembers to seal tissue disposed therebetween.

In aspects, with the third energizable member disposed in the deployedposition, the method further includes supplying monopolar energy fromthe monopolar energy source to the third energizable member for applyingmonopolar energy to tissue to treat tissue.

In aspects, applying monopolar energy to tissue to treat tissue includesapplying energy from the third energizable member of the monopolarassembly to tissue to dissect tissue adjacent the third energizablemember.

In aspects, the method further includes moving the third energizablemember to an intermediate position, wherein moving the third energizablemember to the intermediate position decouples the first and secondbipolar inputs from the first and second bipolar outputs, respectively,and decouples the monopolar input from the monopolar output.

In aspects, the intermediate position of the third energizable member isdisposed between the retracted position and the deployed position suchthat the third energizable member is moved through the intermediateposition upon movement of the third energizable member between theretracted position and the deployed position.

In aspects, the method further includes providing an insulative portion,wherein moving the third energizable member to the deployed positionincludes at least partially covering the first and second energizablemembers with the insulative portion and extending the third energizablemember from the insulative portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar or identical elements:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of an endoscopic surgical forcepsconfigured for use in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged, perspective partial-view of the end effectorassembly of the forceps of FIG. 1, wherein the jaw members of the endeffector assembly are disposed in a spaced-apart position and whereinthe monopolar assembly is disposed in a retracted position;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged, perspective partial-view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2A, wherein the jaw members are disposed in theapproximated position and wherein the monopolar assembly is disposed ina deployed position;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the forceps of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2A, wherein the jaw members are disposed in thespaced-apart position;

FIG. 4B is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2A, wherein the jaw members are disposed in theapproximated position;

FIG. 4C is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2A, wherein the jaw members are disposed in theapproximated position and wherein the knife assembly is disposed in anextended position;

FIG. 4D is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2A, wherein the monopolar assembly is disposed in thedeployed position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a switch assembly provided inaccordance with the present disclosure and configured for selectivelyproviding bipolar energy to the jaw members in a first condition andmonopolar energy to the monopolar assembly in a second condition;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly of FIG. 5,wherein the switch assembly is disposed in the first condition;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly of FIG. 5,wherein the switch assembly is disposed in the second condition;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another switch assembly providedin accordance with the present disclosure and configured for selectivelyproviding bipolar energy to the jaw members in a first condition andmonopolar energy to the monopolar assembly in a second condition;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly of FIG. 7,wherein the switch assembly is disposed in the first condition; and

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly of FIG. 7,wherein the switch assembly is disposed in the second condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a forceps including features for operating inboth a bipolar mode, e.g., for grasping and/or treating tissue, and amonopolar mode, e.g., for treating and/or dissecting tissue, is showngenerally identified by reference numeral 10. Although shown as anendoscopic forceps 10, it is contemplated that forceps 10 also beconfigured for use in connection with traditional open surgicalprocedures. Further, although a surgical forceps is shown and describedherein, it is also contemplated that the aspects and features of thepresent disclosure be provided for use in conjunction with any suitablemultifunction surgical instrument, e.g., any suitable surgicalinstrument capable of operating in both a bipolar mode and a monopolarmode (or any two different modes). Obviously, different electrical andmechanical connections and considerations apply to each particularconfiguration; however, the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure remain generally consistent with respect to both open andendoscopic forceps as well as other suitable surgical instruments.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-3, forceps 10 defines alongitudinal axis “X-X” and includes a housing 20 incorporating a handleassembly 30, a deployment assembly 60, a rotating assembly 70, a triggerassembly 80, an activation assembly 90, and a switch assembly 300 (FIG.3). Forceps 10 also includes an end effector assembly 100 configured tograsp, treat, e.g., seal, and/or divide tissue; a shaft 12 having adistal end 14 configured to mechanically engage end effector assembly100 and a proximal end 16 that mechanically engages housing 20; and amonopolar assembly 200 selectively deployable (see FIGS. 2A-2B) fromshaft 12 about end effector assembly 100 for treating and/or dissectingtissue.

As best shown in FIG. 3, forceps 10 further includes an electrosurgicalcable 2 that connects forceps 10 to a source of energy, e.g., agenerator “G” (FIG. 1), although forceps 10 may alternatively beconfigured as a battery powered instrument including an on-boardgenerator housed within or mounted on housing 20. Cable 2 houses aplurality of wires (see also FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B) that extend from cable 2into housing 20 to electrically couple generator “G” (FIG. 1),activation assembly 90, and switch assembly 300 to one another. Switchassembly 300, as will be described in greater detail below, istransitionable between a first condition, corresponding to the bipolarmode of operation, wherein switch assembly 300 electrically couplesgenerator “G” (FIG. 1) and activation assembly 90 to end effectorassembly 100 for selectively supplying energy to end effector assembly100 upon actuation of activation button 92 of activation assembly 90,and a second condition, corresponding to the monopolar mode ofoperation, wherein switch assembly 300 electrically couples generator“G” (FIG. 1) and activation assembly 90 to monopolar assembly 200 forselectively supplying energy to monopolar assembly 200 upon actuation ofactivation button 92 of activation assembly 90. In the first condition,monopolar assembly 200 is decoupled from generator “G” (FIG. 1) andactivation assembly 90 while, in the second condition, end effectorassembly 100 is decoupled from generator “G” (FIG. 1) and activationassembly 90. Alternatively, end effector assembly 100 and monopolarassembly 200 may have separate activation buttons, with the same effectof being coupled or decoupled depending on the condition of switchassembly 300.

With additional reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, end effector assembly100 is shown attached at a distal end 14 of shaft 12 and includes a pairof opposing jaw members 110, 120. Each jaw member 110, 120 includes anelectrically-insulative outer jaw housing 111, 121 and anelectrically-conductive tissue sealing surface defined by anelectrically-conductive plate 112, 122 disposed atop respective jawhousings 111, 121, although other configurations are also contemplated.Electrically-conductive plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120,respectively, are electrically coupled to switch assembly 300 (FIG. 3)which, as mentioned above, electrically couples plates 112, 122 togenerator “G” and activation assembly 90 when disposed in the firstcondition. As such, energy may be selectively supplied to plates 112,122, e.g., via actuating activation button 92 of activation assembly 90,for conduction therebetween and through tissue grasped between jawmembers 110, 120 to treat, e.g., seal, tissue, when switch assembly 300(FIG. 3) is disposed in the first condition. End effector assembly 100defines a bipolar configuration wherein plate 112 is charged to a firstelectrical potential and plate 122 is charged to a second, differentelectrical potential to create an electrical potential gradienttherebetween for conducting energy between plates 112, 122 and throughtissue grasped therebetween for treating e.g., sealing, tissue.

End effector assembly 100 is configured as a unilateral assembly, i.e.,where jaw member 120 is fixed relative to shaft 12 and jaw member 110 ismovable relative to shaft 12 and fixed jaw member 120. However, endeffector assembly 100 may alternatively be configured as a bilateralassembly, i.e., where both jaw member 110 and jaw member 120 are movablerelative to one another and to shaft 12. In some embodiments (as shown),a knife assembly 180 is disposed within shaft 12 and a knife channel115, 125 is defined within one or both jaw members 110, 120 to permitreciprocation of a knife 184 therethrough, e.g., via actuation of atrigger 82 of trigger assembly 80. Alternatively, an electrical-cuttingelectrode, static or dynamic, may be provided for cutting tissue graspedbetween jaw members 110, 120.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-3, one of the jaw members 110, 120of end effector assembly 100, e.g., jaw member 120, is configured tohouse energizable rod member 220 of monopolar assembly 200. Morespecifically, the proximal flange portion of one of the jaw members,e.g., proximal flange portion 123 of jaw member 120, includes anextension portion 126 having a lumen 128 a and recess 128 b definedtherein. Lumen 128 a extends through extension portion 126 intocommunication with recess 128 b, which is defined within adistally-facing surface of proximal flange portion 123 of jaw member120. This configuration of proximal flange portion 123 of jaw member 120permits body 222 of energizable rod member 220 of monopolar assembly 200to extend through proximal flange portion 123 of jaw member 120, e.g.,through lumen 128 a, while also permitting distal tip 224 of rod member220 of monopolar assembly 200 to be received within recess 128 b ofproximal flange portion 123 when monopolar assembly 200 is disposed inthe retracted position, thereby helping to protect surrounding tissue.The entire proximal flange portion 123 of jaw member 120 or simplyextension portion 126 thereof may be formed from an insulative materialor may be coated with an insulative material to facilitate theinsulation of distal tip 224 of energizable rod member 220 fromelectrically-conductive plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120, whenmonopolar assembly 200 is disposed in the retracted position. Monopolarassembly 200 will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, handle assembly 30 includes a fixed handle50 and a movable handle 40. Fixed handle 50 is integrally associatedwith housing 20 and movable handle 40 is moveable relative to fixedhandle 50. Movable handle 40 is ultimately connected to a drive assembly150 that, together, mechanically cooperate to impart movement of jawmembers 110 and 120 between a spaced-apart position (FIG. 4A) and anapproximated position (FIG. 4B) to grasp tissue between plates 112 and122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. More specifically, as shownin FIG. 3, drive assembly 150 includes a mandrel 152 disposed about adrive sleeve 154. Mandrel 152 operably couples movable handle 40 todrive sleeve 154. Drive sleeve 154, in turn, is operably coupled to jawmember 110 (and/or jaw member 120) such that longitudinal actuation ofmovable handle 40 translates drive sleeve 154 relative to and throughshaft 12 to pivot jaw member 110 relative to jaw member 120 between thespaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissuetherebetween. As shown in FIG. 1, movable handle 40 is initiallyspaced-apart from fixed handle 50 and, correspondingly, jaw members 110,120 are disposed in the spaced-apart position. Movable handle 40 ismovable from this initial position to a depressed position to urge drivesleeve 154 proximally through shaft 12 and relative to end effectorassembly 100 to move jaw members 110, 120 to the approximated positionfor grasping tissue therebetween (see FIG. 4B). Upon release of movablehandle 40, drive sleeve 154 is returned distally under the bias ofbiasing member 158 to return jaw members 110, 120 to the spaced-apartposition. Rotation wheel 72 of rotating assembly 70 is rotatable ineither direction about longitudinal axis “X-X” to rotate end effectorassembly 100 about longitudinal axis “X-X.”

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4A-4C, trigger assembly 80 is coupled toknife assembly 180 such that trigger 82 is selectively actuatable froman un-actuated position to an actuated position to advance knife 184from a storage position (FIG. 4B), wherein knife 184 is disposedproximally relative to jaw members 110, 120, to an extended position,wherein knife 184 extends between jaw members 110, 120 and through knifechannels 115, 125, respectively (FIG. 4C), to cut tissue grasped betweenjaw members 110, 120. Knife assembly 180 includes a knife drive shaft182 defining proximal and distal ends 183 a, 183 b, respectively. Amandrel 186 operably coupled to trigger 82 is disposed about knife driveshaft 182 towards proximal end 183 a thereof such that knife 184 isselectively advanced between jaw members 110, 120 upon actuation oftrigger 82. A biasing member 188 biases knife assembly 180 towards thestorage position (FIG. 4B).

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, monopolar assembly 200 includes aninsulative sleeve 210 and an energizable rod member 220. Insulativesleeve 210 is slidably disposed about shaft 12 and is configured fortranslation about and relative to shaft 12 and end effector assembly 100between a retracted position (FIGS. 2A and 4A-4C), where insulativesleeve 210 is disposed proximally of end effector assembly 100, and adeployed position (FIGS. 2B and 4D), wherein insulative sleeve 210 isdisposed about end effector assembly 100 so as to electrically insulateelectrically-conductive plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120,respectively, from the surroundings of insulative sleeve 210. Monopolarassembly 200 may be biased towards the retracted position and/or mayfurther include a locking assembly (not shown) for selectively lockingmonopolar assembly 200 in the retracted and/or the deployed position.

Energizable rod member 220 of monopolar assembly 200 includes anelongated body 222 and a distal tip 224 that may be oriented relative toelongated body 222 to define a hook-shaped or other suitableconfiguration. Energizable rod member 220 is movable between a retractedposition, wherein energizable rod member 220 is disposed within recess128 b of extension portion 126 of proximal flange portion 123 of jawmember 120 (FIG. 2A), and a deployed position, wherein energizable rodmember 220 extends distally from end effector assembly 100 (FIG. 2B).Energizable rod member 220 is electrically coupled to switch assembly300 (FIG. 3) such that, in the second condition of switch assembly 300,switch assembly 300 electrically couples generator “G” (FIG. 1) andactivation assembly 90 to energizable rod member 220 of monopolarassembly 200 for selectively supplying energy to energizable rod member220 upon actuation of activation button 92 of activation assembly 90. Asan alternative to sharing activation assembly 90, it is alsocontemplated that two separate activation assemblies be provided foractivating end effector assembly 100 and monopolar assembly 200.

With additional reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the proximal end ofinsulative sleeve 210 of monopolar assembly 200, which extends intohousing 20, is coupled to deployment assembly 60, e.g., base member 64of deployment assembly 60 (see FIGS. 6A-6B), for allowing selectivedeployment and retraction of insulative sleeve 210. A pair of sliders 62of deployment assembly 60 extend through slots 22 defined on either sideof housing 20 to facilitate selective translation of sliders 62 alongslots 22, although only one slider 62 need be provided, on one side ofhousing 20. More specifically, either or both sliders 62 aretranslatable between a first, proximal position and a second, distalposition for translating insulative sleeve 210 relative to shaft 12 andend effector assembly 100 between the retracted position (FIGS. 4A-4C)and the extended position (FIG. 4D). As an alternative to slider 62,other suitable deployment assemblies, e.g., levers, triggers, switches,etc., are also contemplated. Energizable rod member 220 is likewisecoupled to deployment assembly 60, e.g., base member 64 (see FIGS.6A-6B), such that translation of sliders 62 between the first and secondpositions translates energizable rod member 220 between the retractedand deployed positions concurrently or near concurrently with thetranslation of insulative sleeve 210 between the retracted and deployedpositions. As such, the respective retracted and deployed positions ofmonopolar assembly 200 correspond to the configurations wherein bothinsulative sleeve 210 and energizable rod member 220 are retracted anddeployed, respectively. As an alternative to coupling energizable rodmember 220 directly to deployment assembly 60, energizable rod member220 may be coupled to insulative sleeve 210 for establishing concurrentor near concurrent movement of energizable rod member 220 and insulativesleeve 210 between the retracted and deployed positions.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, switchassembly 300 is described. Switch assembly 300, as noted above, istransitionable between a first condition, corresponding to the bipolarmode of operation, wherein generator “G” and activation assembly 90 areelectrically coupled to electrically-conductive plates 112, 122 of jawmembers 110, 120 of end effector assembly 100 and a second condition,corresponding to the monopolar mode of operation, wherein generator “G”and activation assembly 90 are electrically coupled to energizable rodmember 220 of monopolar assembly 200. More specifically, upontranslation of sliders 62 between the first and second positions, switchassembly 300 is transitioned between the first and second conditions. Inother words, when monopolar assembly 200 is disposed in the retractedposition, electrically-conductive plates 112, 122 are electricallycoupled to generator “G” and activation assembly 90. Upon deployment ofmonopolar assembly 200, energizable rod member 220 is electricallycoupled to generator “G” and activation assembly 90. In addition toselectively coupling end effector assembly 100 or monopolar assembly 200to generator “G” and activation assembly 90, switch assembly 300 furtherdecouples the other of the end effector assembly 100 or monopolarassembly 200 from generator “G” and activation assembly 90.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B, switch assembly 300includes a switch housing 310 mounted within housing 20 of forceps 10(see FIG. 3). Switch housing 310 is formed at least partially from aninsulative material and defines an internal passageway 312 configured toslidably receive the proximal end of insulative sleeve 210, energizablerod member 220, and drive sleeve 154 of drive assembly 150 (FIG. 3;drive sleeve 154 is not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B for simplicitypurposes). As an alternative to passageway 312 receiving sleeve 210,switch assembly 300 may be spaced-from sleeve 210 and coupled theretovia one or more linkages (not shown).

Base member 64 of deployment assembly 60 is slidably disposed withininternal passageway 312 of housing 310 and engages the proximal end ofinsulative sleeve 210 and the proximal end of energizable rod member220, as mentioned above. A pair of opposed posts 66 extend from eitherside of base member 64 through opposed slots 314 defined within housing310. Posts 66 extend through slots 314 of switch housing 310 and slots22 defined within housing 20 of forceps 10 to engage sliders 62 ofdeployment assembly 60 such that translation of either slider 62 effectstranslation of base member 64 through internal passageway 312 of switchhousing 310 and, thus, translation of insulative sleeve 210 andenergizable rod member 220 between the retracted and deployed positions.

Base member 64 further includes a pair of spaced-apartelectrically-conductive contact arms 320, 330 engaged thereto andextending therefrom. Contact arms 320, 330 are electrically insulatedfrom one another via base member 64, which is made at least partiallyfrom an insulative material. Each contact arm 320, 330 extends fromeither side of base member 64 to define two pairs of opposed contactmembers 322, 324 and 332, 334. Contact members 322, 324 and 332, 334each define a pre-bent configuration and are resiliently flexibleinwardly towards base member 63. Each contact arm 320, 330 defines atotal length greater than the width of passageway 312 of housing 310such that contact members 322, 324, 332, 334 are biased into contactwith the internal surface of housing 310 that defines passageway 312.

Housing 310 of switch assembly 300 further includes three pairs ofopposed electrically-conductive contact plates 342, 344; 352, 354; and362, 364. First and second pairs of contact plates 342, 344 and 352, 354are disposed towards the proximal end of housing 310, while the thirdpair of contact plates 362, 364 is disposed towards the distal end ofhousing 310. Plates 342, 344; 352, 354; and 362, 364 are embedded withinthe internal surface of housing 310 that defines passageway 312 and areexposed to the interior of passageway 312. Accordingly, as will bedescribed in greater detail below, base member 64 is selectivelyslidable through passageway 312 of housing 310 to orient contact arms320, 330 between the desired pairs of plates 342, 344; 352, 354; and362, 364 such that contact arms 320, 330 are biased into contact withthe corresponding pairs of plates 342, 344; 352, 354; and 362, 364 toelectrically couple the opposed plates 342, 344; 352, 354; and 362, 364to one another via the contact arm 320, 330 extending therebetween.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B, in conjunction withFIGS. 1-3, each contact plate 342, 344, 352, 354, 362, 364 includes awire (or wires) 346, 348, 356, 358, 366, 368, respectively, electricallycoupled thereto and extending therefrom. First wire 346 is coupled tocontact plate 342 and extends through switch housing 310, housing 20 offorceps 10, and cable 2, ultimately coupling to a positive bipolarterminal of generator “G.” As mentioned above, first wire 346 mayadditionally be coupled to activation assembly 90, or activationassembly 90 may be coupled between generator “G” and first wire 346.Second wire 348 is coupled to contact plate 344, which opposes contactplate 342. Second wire 348 extends from switch housing 310 and throughshaft 12, ultimately coupling to the positive electrically-conductiveplate of end effector assembly 100, e.g., plate 122 of jaw member 120.As such, upon electrical coupling of first and second plates 342, 344 ofswitch assembly 300 to one another, e.g., via contact members 322, 324of contact arm 320 when base member 64 is disposed in the firstposition, energy may be transmitted, e.g., upon actuation of activationassembly 90, from generator “G,” through switch assembly 300, toelectrically-conductive plate 122 of jaw member 120 for charging jawmember 120 to a first electrical potential.

Third wire 356 is similar to first wire 346 except that third wire 356couples contact plate 352 to a negative bipolar terminal of generator“G” and/or activation assembly 90. Fourth wire 358 is similar to secondwire 348 except that fourth wire 358 couples contact plate 354, whichopposes contact plate 352, to the negative electrically-conductive plateof end effector assembly 100, e.g., plate 112 of jaw member 110(although the polarity of plates 112, 122 may be reversed). As such,upon electrical coupling of plates 352, 354 of switch assembly 300 toone another, e.g., via contact members 332, 334 of contact arm 330 whenbase member 54 is disposed in the first position, energy may betransmitted from generator “G,” through switch assembly 300, toelectrically-conductive plate 112 of jaw member 110 for charging jawmember 110 to a second, different electrical potential.

Fifth wire 366 is coupled to contact plate 362 and extends throughswitch housing 310, housing 20 of forceps 10, and cable 2, ultimatelycoupling to an active monopolar terminal of generator “G,” e.g., via orin addition to coupling to activation assembly 90. In use, the returnpad (not shown) is coupled to the return monopolar terminal of generator“G.” Sixth wire 368 is coupled to contact plate 264, which opposescontact plate 362, and extends though switch housing 310, ultimatelycoupling to energizable rod member 220 of monopolar assembly 200 suchthat, upon electrical coupling of plates 362, 364 to one another, e.g.,via contact members 332, 334 of contact arm 330 when base member 64 isdisposed in the second position, energy may be transmitted fromgenerator “G” to energizable rod member 220.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6B, the use and operation of forceps 10 in both thebipolar mode, e.g., for grasping and treating and/or cutting graspedtissue, and the monopolar mode, e.g., for electrical/electromechanicaltissue treatment, is described.

In order to use forceps 10 in the bipolar mode, either or both sliders62 of deployment assembly 60 are moved to the proximal position (seeFIG. 1). In this position, monopolar assembly 200 is disposed in itsretracted position, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4A-4C. Further, as shown inFIG. 5A, in the proximal position of slider 62, switch assembly 300 isdisposed in the first condition, wherein base member 64 is positionedsuch that contact members 322, 324 of contact arm 320 are biased intocontact with opposed plates 342, 344 to electrically couple generator“G” and activation assembly 90 to electrically-conductive plate 122 ofjaw member 120 (see FIG. 5) and such that contact members 332, 334 ofcontact arm 330 are biased into contact with opposed plates 352, 354 toelectrically couple generator “G” and activation assembly 90 toelectrically-conductive plate 112 of jaw member 110 (see FIG. 5).

With forceps 10 in the bipolar mode of operation and with jaw members110, 120 disposed in the spaced-apart position (FIG. 4A), end effectorassembly 100 may be maneuvered into position such that tissue to begrasped, treated, e.g., sealed, and/or cut, is disposed between jawmembers 110, 120. In particular, rotation wheel 72 may be manipulated torotate jaw members 110, 120 to a desired orientation to receive tissuetherebetween. Next, movable handle 40 is depressed or pulled proximallyrelative to fixed handle 50 such that jaw member 110 is pivoted relativeto jaw member 120 from the spaced-apart position to the approximatedposition to grasp tissue therebetween, as shown in FIG. 4B. In thisapproximated position, energy may be supplied, e.g., via actuation ofactivation button 92 of activation assembly 90, toelectrically-conductive plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120 forconduction through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue, e.g., toeffect a tissue seal.

As shown in FIG. 4C, in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 3, once tissuetreatment is complete (or to cut untreated tissue), knife 184 of knifeassembly 180 may be extended from within shaft 12 to between jaw members110, 120, e.g., via actuation of trigger 82 of trigger assembly 80, tocut tissue grasped therebetween. More specifically, upon actuation oftrigger 82, knife 184 is advanced at least partially through knifechannels 115, 125 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively, to cut tissuegrasped between jaw members 110, 120. Thereafter, knife 184 may bereturned to within shaft 12 and jaw members 110, 120 may be moved backto the spaced-apart position (FIG. 4A) to release the treated and/ordivided tissue.

With respect to operation of forceps 10 in the monopolar mode, movablehandle 40 is first depressed relative to fixed handle 50 to pivot jawmembers 110, 120 from the spaced-apart position to the approximatedposition. In some embodiments, this initial approximation of jaw members110, 120 is not necessary, as deployment of monopolar assembly 200 maydirectly or indirectly effect approximation of jaw members 110, 120.Alternatively, where sleeve 210 allows (or is omitted), jaw members 110,120 may remain in the open position during operation in the monopolarmode.

Once jaw members 110, 120 are disposed in the approximated position (ifneeded), monopolar assembly 200 is translated from the retractedposition (FIGS. 2A and 4B) to the deployed position (FIGS. 2B and 4D)via movement of either or both sliders 62 from the proximal position tothe distal position. More specifically, as slider(s) 62 are translateddistally, base member 64 is translated distally though switch housing310 to thereby translate insulative sleeve 210 distally over endeffector assembly 100 and to translate energizable rod member 220distally such that distal tip 224 of energizable rod member 220 extendsdistally from both end effector assembly 100 and insulative sleeve 210.In addition to mechanically deploying monopolar assembly 200, andconcurrently or near-concurrently therewith, translation of slider(s) 62from the proximal position to the distal position also transitionsswitch assembly 300 from the first condition to the second condition.More specifically, distal translation of slider(s) 62 translate basemember 64 distally such that contact arm 330 is moved from betweenplates 352, 354 to between plates 362, 364, such that contact arm 320 isdisplaced from contact with plates 342, 344 (see FIG. 6B). As such,electrically-conductive plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120 are nolonger coupled to activation assembly 90 or generator “G” but, rather,activation assembly 90 and generator “G” are coupled to energizable rodmember 220 of monopolar assembly 200.

As can be appreciated, when switch assembly 300 is disposed in anintermediate condition, e.g., between the first and second conditions,neither end effector assembly 100 nor monopolar assembly 200 is coupledto generator “G” and activation assembly 90. Such a configurationprovides a safety feature for preventing use when monopolar assembly 200is not fully disposed in either the retracted or deployed position.

With monopolar assembly 200 fully deployed, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 4D,activation button 92 may be actuated to supply energy to distal tip 224of energizable rod member 220 for treating, e.g., electrically orelectromechanically dissecting, tissue. Energy is returned to generator“G” via a remotely positioned return pad (not shown). During applicationof energy to distal tip 224 of energizable rod member 220, forceps 10may be moved and/or manipulated relative to tissue to facilitateelectromechanical treatment of tissue. Alternatively or additionally,forceps 10 may be moved or manipulated relative to tissue to facilitatemechanical tissue dissection, e.g., scoring tissue planes, with distaltip 224 in the absence of energy being applied to distal tip 224. Duringmonopolar operation, with end effector assembly 100 decoupled fromgenerator “G,” both direct and indirect capacitive coupling betweenenergizable rod member 220 and end effector assembly 100 are inhibited,thus inhibiting the occurrence of un-intended tissue effects as a resultof capacitive coupling.

At the completion of tissue treatment, e.g., dissection, in themonopolar mode, monopolar assembly 200 may be returned to the retractedposition (FIGS. 4A-4C), e.g., via moving either or both sliders 62 backto the proximal position. With monopolar assembly 200 once againdisposed in the retracted position, jaw members 110, 120 of end effectorassembly 100 may one again be manipulated to grasp, treat, and/or cuttissue, as described above, in the bipolar mode.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8A-8B, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, anotherembodiment of a switch assembly 400 configured for use with forceps 10or any other suitable multi-function surgical instrument is described.Switch assembly 400, similar to switch assembly 300 (FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B),is transitionable between a first condition, corresponding to thebipolar mode of operation, wherein switch assembly 400 electricallycouples generator “G” and activation assembly 90 toelectrically-conductive plates 112, 122 of jaw members 110, 120 of endeffector assembly 100 and a second condition, corresponding to themonopolar mode of operation, wherein switch assembly 400 electricallycouples generator “G” and activation assembly 90 to energizable rodmember 220 of monopolar assembly 200. Except where explicitlycontradicted below, switch assembly 400 may include any or all of thefeatures of switch assembly 300 (FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B), and vice versa.Further, similarities between switch assembly 400 and switch assembly300 (FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B) may only be summarily described or omittedentirely for purposes of brevity.

Switch assembly 400 includes a switch housing 410 configured to bemounted within housing 20 of forceps 10 (see FIG. 1). Switch housing 410defines an internal passageway 412. A base member 416 is slidablydisposed within internal passageway 412, engaged to sliders 62 (FIG. 1),and engaged to the proximal end of insulative sleeve 210 and theproximal end of energizable rod member 220, similarly as detailed abovewith respect to switch assembly 300 (FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B). Base member 416further includes a pair of spaced-apart protrusions 420, 430 protrudingfrom a surface thereof.

Housing 410 of switch assembly 400 further includes three pairs ofadjacent electrically-conductive contact plates 442, 444; 452, 454; and462, 464 disposed on one side of housing 410. First and second pairs ofcontact plates 442, 444 and 452, 454 are disposed towards the proximalend of housing 410, while the third pair of contact plates 462, 464 isdisposed towards the distal end of housing 410. Plates 442, 444; 452,454; and 462, 464 are embedded within the internal surface of housing410 that defines passageway 412 and are exposed within passageway 412.Further, one of the plates of each pair, e.g., plates 442, 452, 462,includes a contact arm 446, 456, 466, respectively, electrically coupledthereto. Contact arms 446, 456, 466 extend to a free end 448, 458, 468,respectively, that is resiliently biased away from the correspondingplates 444, 454, 464 of the pair. Contact arms 446, 456, 466 may furtherinclude humps 449, 459, 469, respectively, to facilitate urging of freeends 448, 458, 468 of contact arms 446, 456, 466, respectively, againsttheir bias and into contacts with the corresponding plate 444, 454, 464of the pair to electrically couple the adjacent paired plates 442, 444;452, 454; and 462, 464 to one another via the contact arm 446, 456, 466,respectively, extending therebetween.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8A-8B, each contact plate 442,444; 452, 454; and 462, 464 includes a wire (or wires) 443, 445; 453,455; and 463, 465, respectively, electrically coupled thereto andextending therefrom. First through sixth wires 443, 445, 453, 455, 463,465 are configured similarly to the first through sixth wires 346, 348,356, 358, 366, 368 of switch assembly 300 (see FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B),detailed above.

In use, switch assembly 400 functions similar to switch assembly 300(FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B). More specifically, for use in the bipolar mode ofoperation, as shown in FIG. 8A, slider(s) 62 are moved to the proximalposition such that monopolar assembly 200 is disposed in the retractedposition (see also FIGS. 2A and 4A-4C). In this position, switchassembly 400 is disposed in the first condition wherein base member 416is positioned such that protrusion 420 urges hump 449 of arm 446 towardsplates 442, 444 such that free end 448 of contact arm 446 is maintainedin contact with plate 444, thereby electrically coupling plates 442, 444to one another. Likewise, in the first condition, protrusion 430 urgeshump 459 towards contact plates 452, 454 such that free end 458 ofcontact arm 456 is maintained in contact with plate 454, therebyelectrically coupling plates 452, 454 to one another. Thus, in theproximal position of slider(s) 62, generator “G” and activation assembly90 are electrically coupled to electrically-conductive plates 112, 122of jaw members 110, 120, respectively and are decoupled from energizablerod member 220 of monopolar assembly 200.

With respect to the operation of forceps 10 (incorporating switchassembly 400) in the monopolar mode of operation, monopolar assembly 200is translated from the retracted position (FIGS. 2A and 4B) to thedeployed position (FIGS. 2B and 4D) via movement of either or bothsliders 62 from the proximal position to the distal position. As sliders62 are translated distally to the position shown in FIG. 8B, base member416 is translated distally though housing 410 of switch assembly 400from a position adjacent contact arms 446, 456 to a position adjacentcontact arm 466. As such, contact arms 446, 456, no longer urged towardscontact plates 444, 454, respectively, are returned under bias tospaced-apart positions with respect to contact plates 444, 454,respectively, thus decoupling end effector assembly 100 from generator“G” and activation assembly 90. Upon reaching the distal position (FIG.8B), base member 416 is positioned such that protrusion 430 (orprotrusion 420) urges hump 469 of contact arm 466 towards plates 462,464 such that free end 468 of contact arm 466 is maintained in contactwith contact plate 464, thereby electrically coupling contact plates462, 464 to one another. In this second condition of switch assembly400, generator “G” and activation assembly 90 are coupled to energizablerod member 220 of monopolar assembly 200 for supplying energy thereto.In some embodiments, protrusion 420 and humps 449, 459 may be providedin a stepped, offset, or other configuration to inhibit the momentarycoupling of plates 452, 454 as base member 416 is translated distallythrough housing 410. Similar stepping or offsetting for the same purposemay also be provided with respect to switch assembly 300 (FIG. 6).

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shownin the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: providing a bipolar energysource, a monopolar energy source, a bipolar assembly, and a monopolarassembly; moving the monopolar assembly to a retracted position, whereinmoving the monopolar assembly to the retracted position couples thebipolar energy source to the bipolar assembly and decouples themonopolar energy source from the monopolar assembly; and moving themonopolar assembly to a deployed position, wherein moving the monopolarassembly to the deployed position decouples the bipolar energy sourcefrom the bipolar assembly and couples the monopolar energy source to themonopolar assembly.
 2. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising, with the monopolar assembly disposed in the retractedposition, supplying bipolar energy from the bipolar energy source to thebipolar assembly for conducting bipolar energy through tissue to treattissue.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein conducting bipolarenergy through tissue to treat tissue includes conducting energy betweenfirst and second electrically-conductive plates of the bipolar assemblyto seal tissue disposed therebetween.
 4. The method according to claim1, further comprising, with the monopolar assembly disposed in thedeployed position, supplying monopolar energy from the monopolar energysource to the monopolar assembly for applying monopolar energy to tissueto treat tissue.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein applyingmonopolar energy to tissue to treat tissue includes applying energy froman energizable rod member of the monopolar assembly to tissue to dissecttissue adjacent the energizable rod member.
 6. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising moving the monopolar assembly to anintermediate position, wherein moving the monopolar assembly to theintermediate position decouples the bipolar energy source from thebipolar assembly and decouples the monopolar energy source from themonopolar assembly.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein theintermediate position of the monopolar assembly is disposed between theretracted position and the deployed position such that the monopolarassembly is moved through the intermediate position upon movement of themonopolar assembly between the retracted position and the deployedposition.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the monopolarassembly includes a energizable portion and an insulative portion, andwherein moving the monopolar assembly to the deployed position includesat least partially covering the bipolar assembly with the insulativeportion and extending the energizable portion from the insulativeportion.
 9. A method, comprising: providing first and second bipolarinputs coupled to a bipolar source of energy, first and second bipolaroutputs coupled to first and second energizable members, a monopolarinput coupled to a monopolar source of energy, and a monopolar outputcoupled to a third energizable member; moving the third energizablemember to a retracted position, wherein moving the third energizablemember to the retracted position couples the first and second bipolarinputs to the first and second bipolar outputs, respectively, anddecouples the monopolar input from the monopolar output; and moving thethird energizable member to a deployed position, wherein moving thethird energizable member to the deployed position decouples the firstand second bipolar inputs from the first and second bipolar outputs,respectively, and couples the monopolar input to the monopolar output.10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising, with the thirdenergizable member disposed in the retracted position, supplying bipolarenergy from the bipolar energy source to the first and secondenergizable members for conducting bipolar energy through tissue totreat tissue.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein conductingbipolar energy through tissue to treat tissue includes conducting energybetween the first and second energizable members to seal tissue disposedtherebetween.
 12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising,with the third energizable member disposed in the deployed position,supplying monopolar energy from the monopolar energy source to the thirdenergizable member for applying monopolar energy to tissue to treattissue.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein applying monopolarenergy to tissue to treat tissue includes applying energy from the thirdenergizable member of the monopolar assembly to tissue to dissect tissueadjacent the third energizable member.
 14. The method according to claim9, further comprising moving the third energizable member to anintermediate position, wherein moving the third energizable member tothe intermediate position decouples the first and second bipolar inputsfrom the first and second bipolar outputs, respectively, and decouplesthe monopolar input from the monopolar output.
 15. The method accordingto claim 14, wherein the intermediate position of the third energizablemember is disposed between the retracted position and the deployedposition such that the third energizable member is moved through theintermediate position upon movement of the third energizable memberbetween the retracted position and the deployed position.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 9, further comprising providing an insulativeportion, wherein moving the third energizable member to the deployedposition includes at least partially covering the first and secondenergizable members with the insulative portion and extending the thirdenergizable member from the insulative portion.